"We're considered a medium-sized police department, and it's critical we have people in the right place," Murphy said. "These sergeants run the department while we're asleep at night. They are future lieutenants and chiefs. We couldn't be happier with the outcome."

Robert O.E. Keyes, director of public safety, conducted the promotional ceremony during Monday's council meeting.

Choung, a 13-year veteran of the division and the city's former technology director, had been assigned to the detective bureau.

Roush, a 10-year veteran and former U.S. Marine, had been assigned to third-shift patrol.

Choung and Roush soon will be assigned to lead patrol shifts within the Operations Bureau under the command of Lt. Dan Williams.

Murphy said the sergeants were chosen by a review board led by Deputy Chief Ken Bell, with members of the law-enforcement community who had 150 years of combined experience.

The men were chosen from a field of 11 candidates.

Murphy said promotions are a rare occurrence within an agency of Gahanna's size.

Council president Stephen Renner said it's fantastic when employees can be promoted from within the department.